Police are urging elderly residents to keep out unknown and unexpected callers after two elderly residents allowed in two doorstep tricksters who stole less than £100 cash on each occasion.

On Tuesday 11th January at 2.30pm a man called at a home in Vanguard Way, Wallington, asking if a man of a certain Christian name lived there. The resident said a man of that name didn’t live there and closed the door. Five minutes later the same man was calling again - accompanied by another man. They pushed their way in asking for tea bags. The men stole a quantity of cash, a bank card and a wallet. Both suspects are described as white, aged 20-30, are 5ft 8in - 6ft tall. Both were wearing grey tracksuit hooded tops. One of the men had facial stubble whilst the other was clean shaven.

The day before - Monday 10th January between 9.30-10am - a man called at the home of an 88-year-old man in Courtney Crescent, Carshalton, pretending to sell carpets and rugs. He was sent away. Another man returned 10 minutes later asking to check the water because ‘blue water’ was coming out of taps further along the road. After being allowed inside, £15 was taken from a change tray in the lounge. One of the suspects is described as a white man, aged 30-35, about 5ft 11in tall with black hair. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket.

PC Pat Simcox, of Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team, said these tricksters deliberately target the elderly and vulnerable in local communities. She urged residents not to allow in callers they don’t know or aren’t expecting and to call police immediately on 999 if callers are trying to gain access to your property. “If you’re not sure, just don’t open the door,” said PC Simcox.